More than a Club- Kathy and Terry Green Built a Community
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.- Mark Twain, Author
That may be true, but Kathy and Terry Green had a third day when they found special meaning in retirement. After raising a family and having successful business careers, the Greens retired to Homosassa. He planned on playing lots of golf and she envisioned growing her home sewing line. Instead, they found unexpected opportunity and ways to make their new community a little better.
If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple: Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.-Will Rogers, American Humorist.
As they grew to know Homosassa, they appreciated the people and the varied talents just waiting to be used. The Greens were successful in uniting neighbors to volunteer on projects that had the common goal of making the community better. They always gave credit and thanks to the volunteers, shining any spotlight away from themselves.
Homosassa native Rodney MacRae says, ” They created an atmosphere that made good people do great things.” Connie Wright-Gatto added that “Kathy and Terry were the best at building community. They gave so much of their time to Homosassa.”
At first, it may have been like herding cats. However, after years of working together in management, their ability to connect with folks and tap into their energy made things happen. According to Ed Blommel, ” Terry and Kathy redefined integrity, caring and dedication. Their leadership turned the Homosassa Civic Club into a meaningful asset to Homosassa.”
As president, Terry brought energy, vision and humor that inspired existing members and made others want to join. Numbers went from a few dozen to almost 200 members. Says Roger Cullen, “Terry was born to be in charge of the club. It came natural to him…the right time and the right place. And Kathy was an incredible influence on everyone in the club. They were a great team. Making everyone else look good was their magic.” Marian MacRae emphasized, ” They made things happen and we all had fun.”
Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.- Helen Dyer, Cancer Researcher, Biochemist
The popular Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival grew. An annual Mullet Toss and Spring Festival was added. Proceeds from both enabled the club to pay its expenses, fund scholarships, provide free tutoring for children, make donations to other local charities, plus run holiday events for kids and seniors. Everything was done by volunteers. As it grew in size, the club grew in spirit.
Under Terry’s guidance the club secured a state grant to purchase property for the Old Homosassa Heritage Park and Working Waterfront on the Homosassa River. It’s now filled with the laughter of kids on the Shrimpboat Playground and folks enjoying picnics at the river’s edge. One day it will house the Homosassa Maritime Museum. Property for a second park on the opposite bank was later donated due to the leadership and dedication to shoreline preservation that Heritage Park embodies . Today, there is effective collaboration among area groups who work to safeguard the habitat and health of Nature Coast waters.
While supporting club projects, Kathy had a special love for the Homosassa Learning Center that is located on the same property. Says Connie Wright-Gatto, “Kathy made a difference in so many areas- Sew Kool seamstress class and the Homosassa Ukers, our amateur ukelele group. The Learning Center became a true center for learning.” Kathy arranged creative opportunities for kids and adults. Today, it is a hub of activity. During days and evenings, women participate in fitness, sewing, music and social programs. After school and throughout the summer, organized classes and camps are held for kids.
Carve your name in hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”– Shannon Alder, Author
Giving so much of themselves set a lasting example to the community. Truly, it is the Civic Club, the Learning Center, the Heritage Park & Working Waterfront and the continuing work of dedicated volunteers that will be living, daily reminders of Kathy and Terry Green.
-SP